Six Fatal Mistakes to Avoid While You Still Have a Job

Good for you if you currently have a job. But NEVER take it for granted that you'll have a job forever! You could lose this job because you have lost favor with your boss or your boss' boss. You could lose your job because the company you work for is filing for bankruptcy. You could lose it because the company has been bought over by a competitor and your position has been taken over by someone else from the acquiring company. Fire, flood, changes in government regulations and many other reasons and circumstances could cost you your job.

This article highlights 6 fatal mistakes most people make while they still have a job and why they should avoid them.

FATAL MISTAKE 1 - Did Not Lock-In Credit Cards and Loans

Martinez was frustrated and fuming. The bank officer had just informed him that his loan application was rejected. He was counting on this loan to pay for much-needed equipment to start his new venture. Worse still.he was told that his new credit card application was also rejected. Reason: He did not have a job. So he was considered a credit-risk based on the bank's credit policies.

Only two months ago Martinez had left the company he had worked as a Warehouse Manager for six years. He used to receive mail from banks inviting him to apply for one of their credit cards. Even pre-approved card applications.all he had to do was to agree!

IF ONLY he had applied for the loan and the credit card before he resigned.

Don't make the same mistake. A loan, a credit card and a line of credit will always be handy when you start or run a business - especially on those low or no cash inflow days.

FATAL MISTAKE 2 - Did Not 'Improve Self'

Have you tried cutting a piece of wood with a blunt saw? If you have you' ll understand what Stephen Covey the author of "7 Habits of Highly Effective People" meant when he used the phrase 'Sharpen the Saw'.

What a difference a sharp saw makes in the results. Not only is the sawing effort much easier, but also the sawn pieces look smoother and cleaner. Just like a saw, a skill is just a tool. Whether it's in basic writing or public speaking or photography, alternative nutrition, computer repair, carpentry, or another skill, sharpening a skill produces better results.

You can sharpen a skill by taking a course, reading a couple of books, learning from a mentor or from years of doing it. Soon you'll be an expert in that skill. With some imagination and guidance, you'll be able to make some money with this skill.

Sharpening the saw is not limited to sharpening a skill. It includes other areas of self-improvement such as:

• becoming a member of a professional body (example: if you're a manager in your company, apply to be a member of the Institute of Management).
• completing the last couple of examinations and projects to get that degree (which you've been procrastinating for too long).
• learning a new skill from scratch (in an area that you've always dreamed about).

While you have a job, you have opportunities to use your skills and sharpening them. For example, to sharpen your writing skills, you could volunteer to be the editor of your organization's monthly newsletter. Or to improve your computer repair skills, you could come to the office on a weekend to repair some of your company's damaged computers.

It would also be almost certain that you'll be admitted as a member of your professional institute if you're currently working in a related position. For example if you're working as a Cost Accountant, don't you think the Association of Cost Accountants will easily admit you as a member when you've clearly stated your position and job functions in your application? You'll most likely be rejected or at best appeal to be a member if you do not have a job.

When you're out in the 'real world' (my meaning of this is the world outside the 'comfort zone' of a job) and perhaps starting or building a business, you will be so pressed for time in the race to make your first buck to stop the leaking money bucket of limited savings.that it is unlikely that you'll be in the state of mind to sharpen your saw. At that time.talking to customers, meeting a supplier or simply checking your inventory will most probably be a higher priority than attending a class on auto repair techniques (for example).

You'll be saying to yourself: "If only I did it.." while had a job.

FATAL MISTAKE 3 - Did Not Put Money Aside for a 'Rainy Day'

My beloved mum always reminded me that if I spend one dollar and five cents for every dollar I earn, I'll end up broke.But if I spend ninety five cents and saved five cents for every dollar earned, then I'll have money in reserve when a need ('a rainy day') arises.

How true it is because there will always be rainy days in your lifetime. And the bigger rainy days will be the months after you quit or lost your job. Then you'll begin to feel the financial pinch on expenses that you never used to think about while you were working for someone else and they were paying the bills.

Most people make calls from their work phone, use company equipment (such as the company photocopier, laser printer, mobile phone, comb binder and
computer) for personal purposes and the even 'luckier' ones get petrol and parking reimbursements.

When you no longer have these benefits, then you'll begin to realized how much money comes out of your pocket when you've to pay for them.

Put aside money while you're still receiving a paycheck. Don't wait until it's too late. It's much easier and less stressful to quit your job and to start something when you've adequate money in reserve.

FATAL MISTAKE 4 - Did Not Have a Systematic Strategy for Developing 'People Assets'

'People Assets' are defined here as your valuable contacts and relationships that can be leveraged to generate income.

A good source of valuable contacts is your job. Besides office colleagues, you'll get to meet customers, suppliers and service providers. Depending on your position in your organization, you may have the opportunity to attend seminars, travel overseas and participate in trade shows - with more exposure to all kinds of people.

Outside your job, you'll also have many opportunities to meet people. In your neighborhood, religious organization, social club, PTA, your mechanic, hairdresser, plumber, former classmates, etc. etc.

Therefore it's not the lack of exposure that causes most people to fail to develop people assets... BUT most people fail to develop 'people assets' due to some of these reasons:

• Sloppy with gathering and recording details of all the people met. (Details should include much more than just the person's name, contact details and company name. It should also include the contact's interests, spouse and children's names, favorite food, car he/she drives, etc. etc. Gathering these information is an ongoing process and requires a contact management tool).
• Did not develop relationships due to unwillingness to invest time on new contacts (by having activities together like playing games, going for family outings, trips, get-togethers, drinks).
• Did not take the opportunity to go the extra mile to help others while you had a job (and you were in a position to do so). The good feelings and goodwill that are generated from your acts of service are assets that you could 'cash in' as returned favours long after you're no longer in the company.

Your strategy is to convert as many of these contacts to 'people assets' as possible from a casual ("Hi" and "Bye") level to the F-Level (that is, the Friendship level) where both parties can mutually call upon each other at anytime for a conversation. From the F-Level nurture these 'people assets' to the Relationship level (or R-Level). At this level people will go out of their way to help each other. Finally, the highest level is the P-Level where people become business, social or life Partners with one another.

FATAL MISTAKE 5 - Wasted Too Much Time on Unproductive Activities

When you have a good job especially one that pays you more than your total monthly expenses, it is very human to feel a sense of security. There is no urgency in your money situation. You tend to 'enjoy life'- indulging in all kinds of activities many of which are unproductive as far as money is concerned. These unproductive activities include such time wasters as.

• frequently hanging around entertainment joints (like pubs, night clubs, discotheques);
• indulging in unhealthy vices (such as gambling);
• talking, talking, talking with the same group of friends during working hours;
• going for lunch with the usual clique instead of with different people to nurture new relationships. (Imagine going for lunch say 3 days a week for four years with the same people. This equates to over six hundred lunches. How many other people could you have spent those time with?);
• talking on the phone for too long;
• internet chat, net surfing, etc.;
• behaving like you've made it and you're on holiday during company-paid trips - instead of learning about the local market, meeting local business people, gathering local business information.

The key word here is 'moderation'. You are not expected to forego every little joy of life completely or to indulge only in actions with an ulterior motive. Life would be rather boring then.

Just remind yourself that time is limited and precious. Every person has 168 hours a week. What you do with these hours while you still have a job could impact your life when you don't have a job.

FATAL MISTAKE 6 - Did Not Start and Develop a Parallel Career

A parallel career is here defined as something you do while you still have a job with the end goal of working for yourself. It's not merely a sideline, second income or part-time job. If you take on a sideline or a second job just to supplement your primary income and your end goal is NOT to change career... NOT to work for yourself, then this sideline or second job is NOT a parallel career.

Many people who had left or lost their jobs look back with regret. They missed opportunities and made mistakes. How they wished they did not bask in the sunshine of a false sense of security with a job. They should have started and developed a parallel career while they still had a job. Their career change transition from employee to entrepreneur would have been a less stressful one because they had the 'comfort' of a paycheck.

Get a Salary Rise: Six Tips

Every day you go to work and you sell your products or services with passion and belief in their abilities. But how well can you sell 'Me Ltd'? If you feel that you are underpaid for the work that you do, would you know how to approach your employer to ask for a raise? Probably not, and most employers are wise to this.

According to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, only a quarter of workers will get a pay rise this year which means that most of us will not get a rise at all.

So, how can you successfully negotiate a salary increase from your employer?

1. Ask for a meeting
Simply ask for a review meeting to discuss your performance but don't mention the main purpose because your boss is more likely to say 'No' there and then. You need to take control of the situation and arrange a meeting which will enable you to make your case and sell your argument.

2. Do your homework
You wouldn't walk into a client meeting unprepared would you? The same rule applies to asking for a pay rise.

Get up to speed with the average salaries in your industry for the role that you do -- look on the Internet, many Web sites have salary checkers that you can use, and look at job adverts to determine your actual worth. This will help you to make a strong argument for the figure you are asking for.

3. Get your timing right
Nobody owes you a job and no boss has to give you a pay rise simply because you want one. So, before you walk into you boss's office demanding that you get a pay increase, take a step back and ask yourself a few things first.

Was your last increase within the last nine months? If yes, ask yourself why you warrant another increase so soon. Has your performance justified asking for more money, have you been consistently achieving your targets? Do you outperform your colleagues?

The best time to negotiate is after a period of consistent performance that makes you the obvious candidate for a pay rise.

And, ask for it on a Friday afternoon because the boss will then have the weekend to worry about whether you are planning to leave the company or not.

4. Negotiate from a position of power
Put yourself in your boss's shoes, see your boss as your client -- he pays you to do a job for him and, if you want to increase your sales [salary], you need to justify the reasons why he should invest more of his annual personnel budget in you.

So, be prepared to sell your strengths and evidence of success. Demonstrate your contribution to revenue, cost-savings, increased revenues for your territory or quality of customer service for the last and next six months.

It is probable that your boss is not the final decision maker so you need to make your argument clear and concise to help get buy-in from the chain of command. Therefore, document it in a presentation format -- your boss may not remember what you have done and facts and figures are more effective when presented than when spoken.

Remember, pay raises are not about being fair; they are a business decision like all other business decisions and your boss will want to know what he will get in return from this extra investment.

5. Have a back-up plan if the answer is 'No'
Sometimes there are genuine reasons why you may not get a pay rise, such as economic conditions in the industry. But, it's not all about the money. Just because your boss has said 'No' to a pay rise doesn't mean that you cannot ask for non-financial benefits as an alternative.

You could ask for more paid time-off, a higher car-allowance or subsidised gym membership to help burn off all the extra calories gained during the festive period.

Perhaps you could ask for training and development that will enhance your skills and, ultimately, marketability - the company are more inclined to pay for this. After all, employees are the companies' biggest assets.

6. Finally, don't burn your bridges
If despite your best efforts you have not been able to successfully negotiate the pay rise that you want, you may decide that you feel undervalued by the organisation. But, at the very least, you should leave the door open for approaching the subject again in six months' time.

Even if you decide to look for another job don't do it with a bitter attitude. Who knows when your paths may cross again in the future.

Six Signs That You Should Run -- Not Walk -- from Your New Job

So you've finally landed a new job and you're thrilled. Hopefully, your new position will be one that provides you with support, great opportunities and plenty of recognition for your successes. Unfortunately, a company that seems like Cinderella during the interview process can end up looking more like an ugly stepsister once you actually join the team. Here are six real-life, obvious signs that it's time to run away and never look back!

1. You ask your new boss for supplies and she hands you a pencil and a small notepad -- and nothing else. While not all companies can afford to outfit employees with state-of-the-art laptops, mobile phones, palmtops and company credit cards, it is important that you are given the tools that you need in order to do your job. If you aren't, or if the company questions you every time you ask for a new pen, it could be an indication of financial stress.

2. You were shown to your desk on your first day at work, given a company manual and haven't been spoken to since. Even if you have years of experience, you should always be given some kind of orientation or training during your first days on a new job. The companies that are known as the best places to work all have substantial training programs and processes in place to make sure new employees feel comfortable and supported right from the start. Be wary if you feel like you have been left to go it alone.

3. Every time you tell someone about your new job with the company they raise their eyebrows and say 'Really? Wow... good luck with that.' A company's reputation isn't always completely accurate, but it does usually stem from legitimate information. Good companies to work for are typically well-known and well-respected in their communities. In fact, you should ask others in your industry and the local business community what their thoughts are about the company when you are doing your initial research. If everyone you ask has a negative tale about your new employer, the chances are that their impressions have some validity.

4. After two weeks on the job, you are already halfway to becoming the employee with the most seniority. One of the biggest issues for human resources professionals today is employee retention. You will notice that most of the country's top companies have employees who have been around for years. Lengthy employee tenure is often a sign that the company is doing something right. 'I joined a firm and learned that the company had seven other employees come and go in the past year,' says Sarah, a public relations executive. 'What's worse is that it was only a five-person operation. That should have been the first sign that the company was not a great place to work.'

5. You answer the phone while the company's secretary is away from her desk and find that the voice at the other end is a debt collection agency calling for the third time that week. While this sounds unbelievable, this actually happened to one worker, who said other employees at the company were eventually instructed to not answer the phones. 'It became a joke with all of us,' she commented. 'We used to run out and cash our pay cheques as soon as we got paid and were always afraid that they were going to bounce!' If you see any signs that your company is in real financial or legal trouble, get your C.V. back out on the market.

6. You notice that every day for the last five days, at least one person has run crying from your boss's office. While not everyone's boss is a bundle of joy, you should expect to be treated with respect in the workplace. If you see signs that the executives running your company make all of the other employees shake with fear, burst into tears or work on edge all the time, look for a greener pasture. There are companies out there that find success without putting employees through the ringer.

You will not know everything about your new company until you put in your time, but if you get a bad feeling right away, there is probably a good reason for it. Trust your instincts when you start a new job, and know what qualities you want to see when you walk into the office. Doing so can keep you from being stuck in a dead-end situation that leaves you frustrated and unfulfilled.

Are You Sabotaging Your Career? Six Signs

Stealing office supplies and not going to staff meetings will undoubtedly diminish your chances of securing the biggest and best office. But besides these faux pas, there are other, less-obvious activities that can hamper your career prospects. Perpetually missing deadlines – even by only a day or two – for example, also can spell disaster. Here are six additional no-nos that you should avoid on the job:

1. Failing to follow through.
You may be the hardest worker in the company, but if your boss and colleagues cannot rely on you to deliver results as promised, you may be passed over for plum assignments. Build their confidence by arriving at meetings on time and keeping them informed if you're unable to meet project deadlines. More importantly, execute your tasks with enthusiasm and attention to detail. In order to garner greater responsibilities or a more coveted role in the organisation, you must produce quality work in addition to sticking to the schedule.

2. Refusing to admit your mistakes.
Creating an excuse to justify poor performance is dishonest and unprofessional. Plus, chances are your ploy won't stand the test of time. If you make a mistake, own up to it, then devise a plan for both correcting and avoiding similar incidents in the future. Employees who accept responsibility demonstrate professional maturity and confidence.

3. Becoming complacent.
Enthusiastic employees who are not afraid to take calculated risks and assume new responsibilities find themselves in a prime position for a promotion or raise. Conversely, those who simply serve their time often get lost in the organisation. If you are serious about moving ahead, always go the extra mile. In addition, take steps to keep your skills up to date. The more talents you put to work for the company, the more valuable you are to it.

4. Running on empty.
Working on overdrive can be just as dangerous to your career as simply getting by. While taking on new projects and responsibilities is a great way to expand your skill set, too much of a good thing can lead to burnout. If you're spending excessive hours on the job, you may want to speak to your manager about delegating less important tasks to colleagues or adjusting your workload. It's also a good idea to take breaks throughout the day. Just a few minutes spent on a break each hour can help you recharge your batteries and work more productively.

5. Being too modest.
While no one enjoys working with someone who has an overly inflated ego, it's alright to blow your own trumpet in the office once in a while. Not receiving the credit you rightfully deserve – either through oversight or confusion about who actually performed the work – may not only cause hurt feelings but also can hinder your career growth. If you've successfully completed a major project or received great feedback from a client, don't be afraid to bring it to your manager's attention. One way is to track your accomplishments in a weekly activity report to help keep your boss informed of your performance.

6. Damaging team spirit.
Despite your best efforts, you won't always get along with everyone on your team. But that doesn't mean you should be a killjoy or take every opportunity to vent your frustrations. You'll likely work with members of the group again and need their assistance, so keep relationships friendly. Positive attitudes are contagious, as are negative ones.

A major mistake isn't the only thing that can damage a promising career. Sometimes more subtle mistakes can compromise your professional standing. Avoiding these six career killers will keep your professional reputation out of harm's way and may even put you on the fast track to promotion.

Six Ways to Get Back in the Job Market

If you have been out of the job market for a while, you may feel intimidated by a job search. But don't be. Whether you have been comfortable in your current job for a long period and want a new challenge or even change career, or you are retuning to work after spending time away raising a family, you can make a smooth transition back into the into the job market.

Here are some tips and tricks that will prepare you to look beyond the obvious when searching for a new job.

1. Have a plan
The old adage "fail to plan, plan to fail" is as true today as it has ever been. Ensure you have a clear understanding of your career plans and ambitions.

If you are just embarking on your career it is important to join an organisation noted for its training. Some organisations have built up reputations as excellent training providers or promoting from within, for example, and are industry-recognised as leaders in their field.

2. Become Internet savvy
Most online job boards offer job seekers the opportunity to register their details and CVs onto a database that can searched by potential employers, recruitment consultancies and head-hunting firms.

This puts your details in the public domain and increases your visibility in your chosen marketplace. And, most job boards will allow you to block your current company from seeing your details, so you don't have to worry if your boss discovers that you are actively looking for another job.

Create your own blog. Writing a blog gives you the opportunity to become a leading authority on your business. It also gives potential employers an insight into your character and -- if you keep it updated -- dedication.

Blogs can act as a personal PR tool too because you can link your blog to other blogs to create a network and this will further enhance your credibility and profile.

3. Become an expert in your field
One of the most effective ways of getting noticed quickly is by attracting media attention.

I am not suggesting that you have to go the extremes of appearing on "60 Minutes" or "Newsnight." But, writing articles for your trade publications or running seminars and presentations to business leaders will position you as a leading authority. The media will know you and so will potential employers.

4. Put it about and open some doors
The power of networking cannot be underestimated. Think of it like speed dating for workers -- self-promotion to impress a potential suitor (employer). Admittedly not everyone is comfortable schmoozzing with a room full of strangers.

But, networking can enable you to gain access to the hidden job market and it can take place at industry functions, breakfast meetings, online or even at the bus stop.

From a self-marketing point of view, networking can increase your chances of getting your next job by as much as 33 per cent, according to Richard Bolles, author of "What Color is Your Parachute?"

Keep your conversations short to give yourself the opportunity to speak to as many people in the room as possible. The more business cards and contacts you make the better.

5. Ask questions
If you are considering changing your career, ask someone who does the job that you want how they got where they are. People love to talk about themselves, it's human nature. And, the more people that you talk to, the more you will identify the key traits needed to achieve your ambition - and know what pitfalls to avoid.

6. Phone a friend
Personal recommendation and word of mouth are one of the most effective forms of advertising. Some career analysts suggest that 80 per cent of vacancies are not advertised.

After Y2K, a new school of marketing thought emerged that questioned the effectiveness of advertising in the modern age -- when did you last see Starbuck's advertising? They don't. But everyone has heard of Starbuck's.

So, contact ex-colleagues to unearth potential opportunities, and get client testimonials to add to your CV. And, increase your chances of being found by posting your CV on the job sites and let potential employers find you.

Six Job Hunter Horror Stories

Job hunting can be a scary endeavour. The following true stories will raise the hair on the neck of even the bravest job seekers. You can learn from their hard-earned lessons. (Names have been changed to protect the traumatised.)

Horror Story No. 1: The Invisible Man
"I'd been looking for a different job for several months and after much searching I was finally offered a new position," Julie N., an administrative assistant, says. "Of course I accepted, but days after I'd given notice to my current employer, my new employer called and told me they had re-evaluated their financial situation. They were rescinding their offer!

"Panicked, I tucked my tail between my legs and went looking for my current boss to tell her I wouldn’t be resigning after all. I made every effort, but she was tied up in meetings all day. The following morning, during a staff meeting she made reference to my upcoming departure. I was stuck. I had no choice but to reveal my predicament and ask for my old job back – in front of the entire office staff. She gave me two months to find a new job."

Lesson: Always confirm a new job offer before you resign from the old one.

Horror Story No. 2: A Nightmare on Elm Street
"I once called regarding an ad for a 'marketing rep.' The interview consisted of walking door to door (in coat and tie) with another employee as we tried to sell car servicing vouchers," Phil G., an account executive, remembers. "He would try to make a sale, and then ask me to try one as part of the interviewing process. In between, my interviewer would ask me questions about my career goals and dreams.

We stopped for lunch at a McDonald’s and he had to borrow money from me so he could eat! The final stage of the interview included a closed-door motivation session with all of the current marketing reps. They sang songs, clapped, and chanted the company motto (which I don't recall). I had to think fast. It was raining that day. I told my coach/interviewer that I had left my car window open. I got up, ran out and never looked back."

Lesson: When scheduling an interview, inquire about the role and location.


Horror Story No. 3: Friday the 13th
"One of my first jobs as a supervisor was to interview candidates for an administrative assistant position," John S. recalls. "We scheduled a full day of initial interviews. Following a very wet and rainy night, some areas of our office roof were leaking and maintenance had a couple of buckets in the hallway. Not a great first impression, but well, it was a quaint old office building.

"Each applicant had to complete a battery of written tests. As one candidate dutifully sat at a desk outside my office, I heard a 'crack,' a 'swoosh' and then a huge splash. The ceiling tile just above the candidate had collapsed under the weight of the rain water and drenched her. Wet but unharmed, the experience clearly dampened her spirits and her expensive interview suit. She immediately informed me that she was no longer interested in the job."

Lesson: Prepare for a rainy day and bring an umbrella.


Horror Story No. 4: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
"Looking to escape the policies, procedures and politics of a big company, I sent my C.V. to a small, privately-owned manufacturing company that was looking for a top executive. I received an invitation from the owner of the company to come to an interview. His office had a fireplace, very comfortable-looking sofas and looked more like a living-room than an office. The interview went well and I was excited about the flexibility of the job, the tremendous earning potential and the opportunity to travel around the world to visit clients," Patrick L., a top financial executive says.

"That is, until the owner asked if my wife would be willing to travel with me. I explained that wasn’t possible as she too was a professional and had her own full-time career. He then asked if I would be comfortable travelling with an escort as many of their international clients expected to be entertained and treated to lavish dinners with their significant others! Having invested an equal number of years in both my marriage and my career, I decided I wasn’t willing to put either at risk, even if this sounded like my dream job."

Lesson: Don’t lose sight of what really matters.


Horror Story No. 5: House of Wax
"I drove 300 miles each way at my own expense to interview for a position at a particular company," Matthew H., a marketing manager, says. "When I sat down for the interview, the interviewer (an assistant manager) only asked me ONE question, "Can you tell me about yourself?" After I gave a brief 90 second introduction, she indicated that was all the questions she had and asked if I had any questions for her."

"Somewhat baffled, I proceeded to INTERVIEW HER -- on her background and skills, her position, her department, the company, company culture, etc. With such a complacent and unenergetic attitude to recruiting qualified employees, I left that interview and the company unimpressed."

Lesson: Thoroughly research a company and prepare a list of questions before heading out to an interview.


Horror Story No. 6: Psycho
"I had been looking for an opportunity to relocate to the North-East from London and move into sales management, when I received a call from a company in Liverpool about a position as a regional sales manager. They offered to fly me in for an interview with two of their senior sales managers. I had heard industry rumours that the company wasn’t doing too well and that their technology wasn’t exactly keeping pace with the competition. But I was impressed that they were going to pay for me to fly in from London, and was flattered that they were interested in me," Tricia C., a national sales manager, recalls.

"When I arrived, I discovered that the address they provided was not a company office, but instead it was a low-budget B&B close to John Lennon airport. The room number they gave me was for a guest room, not a meeting room. I was greeted by two old seemingly unwashed guys in badly-fitting suits who had spread a number of company brochures out on the bed. The rumours were obviously true!"

Lesson: Trust your instincts and first impressions.

Answering Six Common Interview Questions

While you'll never be able to anticipate every question you might be asked in an interview, you can get a head start by developing strong, concise answers to commonly used questions. Most interviewers will ask similar questions like these to gain knowledge about a candidate's abilities and qualifications and compatibility with the job and the company.

1. Tell me about yourself.
This is often the opening question in an interview. It's also one of the most difficult if you're not prepared. Remember, the interviewer does not want to hear about the football team you support or your unusual hobbies. This question calls for your one-minute advert that summarises your years of experience and skills and your personality in the context of the job for which you are being interviewed. Get to the point and sell your professional self. Develop a few brief sentences that demonstrate you have what it takes to do the job – experience, proven results and desire to contribute.

2. Why should we recruit you?
The key to answering any question about you versus your competition is using specifics. "Everybody is going to speak in generalities, so you need something that will make you stand out a bit," says Linda, a teacher in Sheffield. Give real examples that show them you are best-suited for the job. Linda says she would point out her achievements and accomplishments throughout her career that are relevant to the open position, as well as her experience in dealing with different types of students and teaching situations. Pinpoint the qualities you have that are truly valuable to the company.

3. Why do you want to work here? What do you know about our company?
Peter, a G.P. in Edinburgh, says that research is important in answering these questions. "I would use this opportunity to show off what I know about the company and, more importantly, how I would fit in." Susan, a H.R. Manager in Manchester, says that she would address issues and challenges in the company to demonstrate the depth of her knowledge. "I usually talk about revenue, numbers of employees, and also challenges in their type of business and how my experience relates to that," she says. "I would point out things I have done in similar companies that could address their problems."

4. What are your weaknesses?
The secret to answering this question is using your weaknesses to your advantage. "I would turn my weaknesses into strengths," says Tara, a lawyer. "For example, if my weaknesses include my lack of patience I would then state that because of this, I have learned to take special measures to ensure that I remain calm and attentive." Just make sure that you do give a real answer to this question. None of us is without faults, so don't pretend that you do not have weaknesses.

5. What did you dislike about your last job? Why did you leave your last job?
You need to be cautious about these kinds of questions and make sure you do not end up sounding bitter. "I would never criticise my former company, the boss, or my former colleagues," Tara says. You need to have a good understanding about the job for which you're applying to turn this question into a positive one. It may be best to say that you really enjoyed many aspects of your job, then focus on how this new job will give you the opportunity to contribute more in a particular area that is key to the position.

6. Where do you see yourself in five years?
An interviewer does not want to hear that your five-year aspiration is to be sailing in the Caribbean or working in a different industry. You need to talk about goals you have that relate to the job. This will demonstrate that you understand the industry, the company and are motivated to succeed there. Susan, a P.R. Manager at a major car rental company, says she would keep her answer specific to her field, such as stating that she sees herself as being responsible for corporate communications.

Preparation is the key to answering any question with poise and confidence. Always keep in mind – whatever the question is – that the interviewer is trying to find out if you are a good fit and can make a positive contribution in the job.